The Telegraph is reporting that the black market for stolen Facebook profiles is heating up in Britain. The stolen profiles are then used to spread viruses and malware through the popular social networking site.
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The cyber thieves steal the account entry details from users before selling them on to gangs behind online fraud who in turn send viruses to other computer users.
These gangs send “spam” messages on to millions of other computer users, urging people to click on false video or photo links.
By clicking on the links, people’s computers become infected with spyware viruses that can track keystrokes and copy details such as passwords to online bank accounts.
Other profiles being sought by the gangs include login details for MySpace and internet phone company Skype.
The article also notes that identity theft and cyber crime spikes around the holidays when people shop online for presents. Online crime is up 500% since September, cyber security experts report.
“Whether you’re going online to use Facebook, or for banking or Christmas shopping, you should be aware that hacking and identity theft tends to increase at certain times of the year.”
It is clear that Facebook privacy is a growing concern for internet users today. MyPrivacy from Reputation.com helps users keep their private data off the internet and away from identity thieves.
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